06 May 2010

How Harper Can Get His Majority

If Stephen Harper wants a majority government, there's a simple solution for getting one. All he need do is transform Canada's electoral system into one of proportional representation. And do it fast.

As shown consistently by polls, the Liberals as led by Michael Ignatieff continue to draw dismal public support. Meanwhile, the Conservatives hang onto their base. Any new election under our single member plurality system (or 'first-past-the-post') would therefore deliver yet another Conservative minority government.

True, the Ignatieff Liberals make for a piss-poor Official Opposition. As a result, Canada's minority Conservative governments since January 2006 have managed to rule almost as a majority, slowly achieving much of their agenda which includes the whittling away of women's rights.

But there are some things the Conservatives simply cannot do without a majority of votes in the House of Commons. They therefore use playground oneupmanship, sneak tactics and burying of the truth. Against our Ineffectual Opposition, it's no contest.

Still, Canadians have refused to be bullied into giving Harper the majority he craves. Ergo, my suggestion that he bring in proportional representation.

With proportional representation, every government is a majority government, usually a coalition of two or more parties. In Canada's current case, the Greens would likely get seats, enough to play kingmaker.

All Harper need do is woo the Greens over to his side. Given the man's thirst for power and tendency toward expediency, accomplishing this should be a walk in the park.

Chrystal Ocean: Social libertarian; democratic reformer; passionate activist for housing reform, especially for changes in property laws to be more inclusive of housing alternatives; atheist; founder of a group run by and for women in poverty, author of several blogs and a book. Contact | Complete profile

Daphne Moldowin: I have chosen a minimalist lifestyle, am a raw food vegan and an anti-capitalist. For me, less means more freedom: to rage against the machine and to speak my mind. I champion others who have small voices. Complete profile